My Green Business: Julie Sanford, Owner of SmarterEd Consulting

"I help my clients become more confident and competent in adapting interactive products, such as Smart Board interactive white boards as well as other educational technology, into the curriculum and into their daily activities," said Julie Sanford of SmarterEd Consulting. (Emily Adams Keplinger/The Commercial Appeal)

Hometown: I grew up in Memphis, but after going to college in Arizona, I ended up staying there for over 20 years. I returned to Memphis about 2½ years ago. Even after being in Arizona for that long, I never lost the "y'all."

Education: White Station High School, B.A. from the University of Arizona and masters of education from Arizona State University.

What is something about yourself that most people don't know about you: I have the ability to remember the words to most songs.

Julie Sanford

Owner and Education Consultant of SmarterEd Consulting

Describe your company: SmarterEd Consulting is a training and professional development company. I help my clients become more confident and competent in adapting interactive products, such as Smart Board interactive white boards as well as other educational technology, into the curriculum and into their daily activities.

In the case of educators, research shows that when teachers go beyond basic training and become proficient, student engagement and test scores increase. I provide on-site sessions from training to targeted ongoing professional development and content creation, including ways to meet the Common Core Standards.

Why did you choose a green career: I liked the idea of using new green technology for educational purposes. The current school-age generation is "going green" and "going digital" — and I wanted to be able to contribute to this new way in which children are learning.

Career highlights: I love seeing the overall development and growth of children throughout the school year. I realized that I wanted to be in education, got my master's degree, and have had the opportunity to educate young children for 13 years, and now I'm working with teachers.

What one green practice would you recommend to others: Think in terms of sustainability — everyone can contribute to bettering our lives and our community. Whether it involves personal recycling, or taking a stand to encourage green practices in the workplace — everyone can do it in their own way.

Change I would like to see: I would like to see all children have positive role models and the opportunity for an education that prepares them to succeed in whatever they choose to do in life.